It is AUGUST already! Woooow. It's already August and I have YET to enjoy a real vacation this year. Bummer. I'm keeping hope alive though. So in the meantime and in between time, check out this insightful video on some of the style trends that emerged from the fall shows.

This clip was taped prior to today's monumental demonstrations in Jena, LA that brought out such notables as Martin Luther King III, and rapper Mos Def among others. It provides a little backstory on Jena 6. For our awareness...

We've all probably seen models hit the floor during runway shows. It's nothing new really. But that's not why this video is funny. Watch and see.

The Essence Music Festival came back home to New Orleans this year after re-locating to Houston last year because of Katrina. I didn't go this year... as a matter of fact, the last time I went was just before Katrina when Gerald Levert was one of the acts on the main stage. And wow. Were we shocked when he took the stage.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim 2008 went down last week in Miami, FL. Badgley Mischka showed off their '08 swimwear, and I thought they did a really classy show. Very upscale and glamourous. You know what the collection looked like to me?

Below are a few pics from Essence Magazine's first annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon which was held on February 21 in Beverly Hills.

There were so many pieces from Versace's A/W collection that were beautifully wearable for the 2007 fall season. There were lots of blacks, greys, whites, and fabulously, luxurious bright colored pieces. Nice.

I hope ya'll enjoy this video on giving "practical" holiday gifts this season. It's kinda funny. Although, I wish somebody WOULD try and give me a 4-pack of toilet paper on Christmas day in the name of giving something practical!

The smoky eye trend is one that I don't think will ever completely fade away. A smoky eye is a dramatic eye. That being said, you probably want to practice it a couple 2, 3 times before debuting it at the New Year's Eve party if you haven't tried it before. Seriously.

Or "Conway" West as my mother mistakenly called him once, lol! My mom can really butcher names sometimes, I tell you. It's always hilarious when she does it... and she's usually really close, so it doesn't really take long to figure out who she's talking about. This clip is super funny too! I tried not to laugh at it, but I couldn't help myself...

Reem Acra is one of the leading names in the luxury bridal and eveningwear markets. Last year, she expanded her repertoire by introducing daywear pieces into her Spring 2007 collection. Both brides and celebs alike make up her fan/client base. A few fabulous daywear, cocktail, and evening looks from Reem Acra's Spring '08 show below.

I was introduced to Erin Fetherston through her Go International line at Target. I bought her white chiffon and velvet doll dress (see below) and wore it recently to a party at my house to rave reviews. Erin's Fall 2008 collection is full of whimsy and romance...